South America:Brazil
Brazil Explorer
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy Rio de Janeiro sightseeing & cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain.
- Enjoy a exclusive excursion to Tijuca rainforest & a train to Corcovado summit.
- Cruise in the Amazon Jungle with small-boat excursions to remote tributaries.
- Indulge in culture & history in Salvador.
- Marvel at Iguassu Falls from the Brazil & Argentine sides.
Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the city of mountains and sea, samba and carnival, and a relaxed way of life. You are transferred to your hotel along Copacabana Beach. This afternoon, your orientation begins with a cable car ascent of Sugar Loaf Mountain, a tour of city sights, and a ride along the world-famous beaches. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – superior room
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Head out by private vehicle to explore the wilderness surrounding Rio. Weave through the Tijuca Forest’s tropical flora, waterfalls and lagoons, and hike to the Jaguar’s Den. Reach the summit of Corcovado by cogswheel train for grand views from the statue of Christ. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – superior room (B)
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
The day is at leisure to relax on the beach or linger at sidewalk cafes or take in an optional tour. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro – superior room (B)
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro / Manaus / Amazon Jungle
Depart today to one of the last great wild places, the Amazon River, lined with jungle that reverberates with the chatter of monkeys and birds. Fly into Manaus, and transfer to your comfortable riverboat. Navigate upstream on a tributary of the Negro. Canoe trip with the possibility of observing nocturnal animals and perceiving the change in the forest as night falls. Amazon Clipper Premium (B,D)
Day 5: Amazon Jungle
Walk in the forest to observe the flora. Visit a "Caboclo" family to see the local way of life. Navigate through the Anavilhanas, the world's largest fresh water archipelago, more than 1,000 miles from the ocean. Take a night trip to see caimans and possibily frogs, sloths, snakes, and other species, depending on the season. Amazon Clipper Premium (B,L,D)
Day 6: Amazon Jungle
Visit the village of Novo Airão, with its handcraft boat yards, sawmills and market. Take a canoe trip on a lake. See typical rubber trees, Brazil nuts, and various palm trees. Fish for piranhas. Amazon Clipper Premium (B,L,D)
Day 7: Amazon Jungle / Manaus
Canoe to Lake January for sunrise birding and to see the giant Victoria Regia waterlilies. Then, navigate to the Meeting of the Waters, before disembarking at your hotel. Tropical Manaus Eco Resort - superior room (B)
Day 8: Manaus / Salvador
Fly today to Salvador, where Brazil was born and her early history remains, both in colonial monuments and African folk culture. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Pestana Bahia – standard room (B)
Day 9: Salvador
Your morning historical tour of Salvador ventures from the colonial-era slave auction site and grandiose baroque Sao Francisco Church to the newer Upper City. Pestana Bahia – standard room (B)
Day 10: Salvador
Enjoy a day at leisure, or, perhaps, take in an optional tour to nearby cocoa plantations, cigar factory, and the pretty colonial towns of Cachoeira and Santo Amaro. Pestana Bahia – standard room (B)
Day 11: Salvador / Iguassu Falls
Iguassu National Park is a wonder of tropical nature, magnificent vistas and 275 thundering cascades. Fly this morning to the Brazil/Argentine border and transfer your hotel overlooking this unforgettable scene. Then, set out on an escorted walking tour on the Brazilian side to strategic overlooks at a variety of levels. Hotel Das Cataratas - superior room (B)
Day 12: Iguassu Falls
Today, visit Iguassu from the Argentine side for a more extensive experience of the falls and surrounding rainforest. Walk along the lower and upper trails, and take a train ride to the crashing spray of Devil’s Throat. Follow boardwalks to the brink of the falls for fantastic views. Hotel Das Cataratas - superior room (B)
Day 13: Depart Iguassu Falls
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Rates/Departures:
Brazil Explorer | Double | Single Supplement | Comments |
| Jan 01 - Dec 20, 2010 | $4050 | $3250 | Please call for Holiday Supplements |
| Internal Airfare (sample fare) | $920 | N/A | Airfare subject to change until ticketed |
Rates are for land arrangements only. Airfares are not included unless specifically mentioned in inclusions and can be quoted separately. Rates are per person, in US dollars, and based on two people sharing a room. Valid Jan. 01 – Dec. 21, 2010, unless otherwise noted. The single supplements indicated are based on a single room supplement after the two passenger minimum is met. For solo travelers, additional supplements will apply.